Highlighting Fraud, Abuse and Waste Challenges
By: Maureen Stiles
‘Tis the season to be merry and bright, and the 8th Annual FORUM IT100 did just that by celebrating the bright lights of the Federal Health IT sector–and a merry time was had by all.
The awards program and holiday reception were held Tuesday, December 12th at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, Virginia. Honorees were nominated by peers and chosen for their unconventional approaches to driving change, advancement and innovation while giving back to the community at large. A standing-room-only crowd included award winners, speakers, sponsors, and panelists looking ahead to 2024 with a particular focus on the Fraud, Abuse and Waste (FWA) challenges faced throughout the industry.
“This topic is not the most glamorous, we know” said FORUM President and CMO, Scott Robinson, who welcomed attendees to open the program. “However, it is a huge priority as departments invest in new systems to mitigate security risk and better serve constituents. Our panelists and speakers did a great job of not only laying out the problem but also identifying and sharing strategies to combat it.”
Keynote speaker, Darryl Peek, Senior Director Public Sector Channels and Alliances with Elastic, echoed Scott’s sentiment with sobering numbers regarding fraud, abuse and waste. Darryl shared the estimation that 3%-10% of total health care expenditures result in fraud, which could mean more than $300 billion lost annually. He explained the answer lies in collaboration and partnerships among government agencies, law enforcement and industry. The goal is to decrease these rampant losses and reinvest more funds back into the mission.
The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees were the first award winners recognized; they are all leaders who have received the IT100 award three times. FORUM welcomed Suzanne Charleston, Neustar; Vid Desai, FDA; Melissa Fannin, Elevance Health; Elena Fenton, Rios Partners; Matthew Garvey, Octo; Liz Porter, Leidos Health Group; Mike Snyder, EM Key Solutions, Inc., and Jason Windsor, GDIT as they join the esteemed Hall of Fame members.
In addition, FORUM honored two Lifetime Achievement Award Winners. Kurt DelBene of the Department of Veterans Affairs. was unable to attend the event. His fellow awardee, Guidehouse’s Hassan Zahwa PhD, graciously accepted his award with remarks thanking his team for contributions.
The first panel, introduced by Elevance Health’s Jane Hite-Syed, was entitled Tackling Fraud, Waste, and Abuse within HHS: The Tools, Technology, and Innovations that Drive Meaningful Change. Moderator Robert Hicks with Peraton, was paired with Samantha Berkley, with the CDC’s World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and Swami Swaminathan of RELI Group. Panelists represented both sides of the FWA issue with Samatha expanding on the types of fraud they encounter while navigating “disjointed” systems within her niche division. To hammer home his point regarding the necessity of teamwork in developing FWA solutions, Swami asked the audience to identify the most efficient hunter in the animal kingdom among cheetahs, tigers, hyenas, and wild dogs. Who knew wild dogs were the prime example of synergy? Hunting as a team, strategizing regarding selection and constant communication throughout the process assures success. It was a full circle moment as Hicks ably led the panel back to Darryl’s remarks.
The second and final panel of the day became more of a fireside chat as the VA’s Dr. Aaron Drew was unable to attend. Jason Windsor was joined by Naomi Escoffery of the DHA for Better Healthcare Delivery for Active Duty and Veterans: Addressing FWA through Digital, Cyber, and Data Transparency Initiatives. Naomi’s open and engaging approach to sharing the hardships faced by some 9.5 million people when FWA runs unchecked, held the room. Having the experience of both the enlisted and contractor side of the issue, Jason added valuable context to this increasingly complex initiative. Naomi closed by homing in on the sophistication of our adversaries and the reality that fraud, waste, and abuse directly affect our country’s readiness and ability to deploy.
The FORUM IT100 winners represent every sector of the Federal Health IT landscape and were announced in groups throughout the program. Winners were lauded at the networking reception that followed as attendees caught up with colleagues as well as made new connections.
Congratulations to all the award winners and many thanks to our speakers, panelists, sponsors, attendees, and the Hyatt Regency staff for making this an event to remember.
For a list of award winners visit FORUM IT100 Award Winners
To visit our photo gallery visit FORUM IT100 Event Photo Gallery
